Communication nodes for use with a wireless ad-hoc communication network

ABSTRACT

Communication nodes for use with a wireless ad-hoc communication network are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication node comprises a transducer, which generates a signal in response to an external signal. The ad-hoc network communication is supported in part by static communication nodes, which defined an organized infrastructure network in order to achieve the various functions of the transducers. In another embodiment, the communication node for use with a wireless ad-hoc network does not include a transducer. Such communication nodes are preferred for use with a less structured network with virtually no infrastructure and allow for being used with expanding and contracting networks. Mobile communication nodes mostly support the propagation of signals. However, pseudo-static or static communication nodes are also used in wireless communication ad-hoc networks.

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication Serial No. 60/347,885 filed Jan. 15, 2002, from U.S.Provisional Application Serial No. 60/347,886 filed Jan. 15, 2002, fromU.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/347,887 filed Jan. 15, 2002,from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/347,888 filed Jan. 15,2002, and from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/358,722 filedFeb. 25, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to data communication networks and morespecifically to the area of an ad-hoc data communication network havingflexible network topology.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Large-scale communication networks are typically supported by aninfrastructure, which supports communication between distantindividuals, for example the regular mail system, the telephone orelectronic message system. In such communication networks, when a persondials a number or writes an address, the phone call, the letter or theelectronic mail message is sent through an organized structure, whicheventually allows for tracking the path of the message, until it reachesits destination. The construction of such infrastructure necessitateshigh capital cost expenditure, long-term planning and internationalcompatibility between materials and processors having different originsto be able to connect together and provide the expected connections andservices.

[0004] To provide more latitude to users and to increase thecommunication capabilities between people, cellular telephone networkshave been established. When a cellular telephone is used, there mustexist “towers” or antennas that transmit and receive signals from eachcellular telephone. Current cellular telephone networks typicallytransmit over a long distance to a cellular tower, and cellular phonestransmit and receive information from the receiver tower, which islocated, many hundreds of meters away. This requires an initialinfrastructure investment before cellular telephones function adequatelywith reasonable areas of coverage. As a result, powerful transmittersare required within the cellular phones, as well as requiring finelytuned receivers within the cellular phones, in order to be able toreliably receive and transmit information over these long distances.Analogous situations exist for telephone networks, satellitecommunication networks, and so forth. Unfortunately, the infrastructurecosts are often non-recoverable capital expenses and end up dictatingthe overall cost of a service. Further, changing technologies are moredifficult to implement due to the lag time associated withinfrastructure costs and infrastructure cost recovery. Inconveniently,when a cellular phone is not in the transmission/reception range of acellular tower, no communication service is provided to the cellularphone. In such dead zones, having a cellular phone is useless. Furtherinconveniently, when a cellular tower has reached its capacity inrelaying communication signals, a request to make another cellulartelephone call using that tower will not be permitted and will remainsuch as long as another user does not end his communication session orleave the area. Of course, to avoid such traffic overload, one option isto build and use another cellular tower. However, it is not a preferredoption for municipalities or telephone companies because of thenon-profitable expense incurred. Furthermore, large areas exist whichare not equipped with cellular tower. This is a major inconvenience whensomeone accustomed to using a cellular phone travels from a supportedregion or suburban area toward an unsupported region.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a monitoring node comprising:

[0006] a transceiver for receiving signals and for transmitting signals,the signals transmitted and received via a wireless communicationmedium;

[0007] a transducer in communication with the transceiver for sensingdata and for providing a signal including data relating to the senseddata; and,

[0008] a processor for identifying the received signal as one ofdestined for the monitoring node and other than destined for themonitoring node and for, when the identification is indicative of themessage being destined for other than the monitoring node, relaying thereceived signal via the transceiver and, when the identification isindicative of the message being destined for the monitoring node,providing an indication to a receiving party of the received signal,

[0009] wherein the monitoring node communicates with at least anothermonitoring node for forming an ad-hoc network.

[0010] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a network comprising:

[0011] a plurality of communication nodes including at least onecommunication node in wireless transmission range of anothercommunication node, the at least one communication node comprising:

[0012] a transducer for sensing a physical parameter and for providing asensor signal in dependence thereon;

[0013] a receiver receiving a signal from a communication node inwireless transmission range; and,

[0014] a transmitter for transmitting a first signal in dependence uponthe sensor signal to another communication node in wireless transmissionrange and for re-transmitting some received signals received from acommunication node in wireless transmission range to anothercommunication node in wireless transmission range.

[0015] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a method of automating meter readingscomprising the steps of:

[0016] receiving a meter reading value at a first node;

[0017] processing the meter reading value at the first node to appendthereto ad-hoc network protocol data;

[0018] transmitting a meter signal from the first node comprising themeter reading value with the appended data;

[0019] receiving the meter signal at a second node;

[0020] processing the received meter signal in accordance with thead-hoc network protocol to determine whether the same meter signal wasreceived prior at the second node; and,

[0021] in dependence upon a result of the determination, performing oneof transmitting the received signal and other than transmitting thesignal.

[0022] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a method of monitoring a householdcomprising the steps of:

[0023] sensing security data within a household;

[0024] generating a signal including data relating to the sensedsecurity data;

[0025] transmitting the signal via a self configuring dynamic network;

[0026] receiving the signal including data relating to the sensedsecurity data;

[0027] attaching protocol data to the received signal, the protocol forat least identifying a source and a destination of the signal inaccordance with a use of a wireless ad-hoc network; and,

[0028] wirelessly transmitting the signal such that the signalpropagates from a communication node to another communication node.

[0029] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a method of monitoring a householdcomprising the steps of:

[0030] sensing security data within a household;

[0031] generating a signal including data relating to the sensedsecurity data;

[0032] transmitting the signal via an ad-hoc network;

[0033] receiving the signal including data relating to the sensedsecurity data;

[0034] attaching protocol data to the received signal, the protocol forat least identifying a source and a destination of the signal inaccordance with a use of a wireless ad-hoc network; and,

[0035] wirelessly transmitting the signal such that the signalpropagates from a communication node to another communication node.

[0036] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a method of monitoring a householdcomprising the steps of:

[0037] sensing security data within a household;

[0038] generating a signal including data relating to the sensedsecurity data;

[0039] attaching protocol data to the generated signal, the protocoldata for at least identifying a source and a destination of the signalin accordance with a use of a wireless ad-hoc network; and,

[0040] wirelessly transmitting the signal such that the signalpropagates from a communication node to another communication node.

[0041] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a method of monitoring a householdcomprising the steps of:

[0042] receiving a signal via a wireless communication medium, thesignal including security data having protocol data attached thereto;

[0043] identifying the protocol data attached to the received signal;and,

[0044] generating signals to be transmitted in accordance with asecurity ad-hoc network protocol.

[0045] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a vehicle network comprising:

[0046] a plurality of communication nodes including at least onecommunication node installed in a vehicle in wireless transmission rangeof another communication node, the at least one communication nodecomprising:

[0047] a receiver for receiving a signal having protocol data attachedtherein, the signal received from a communication node in wirelesstransmission range;

[0048] a protocol processor for identifying the attached protocol dataand for in accordance with an ad-hoc network protocol performing one ofre-transmitting the received signals received from a communication nodein wireless transmission range to another communication node in wirelesstransmission range and other than re-transmitting the received signal;and,

[0049] a transmitter for transmitting the signal to anothercommunication node in wireless transmission range;

[0050] wherein the ad-hoc network protocol is in accordance with a useof a wireless vehicle ad-hoc network.

[0051] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a parknet comprising:

[0052] a plurality of communication devices for being carried by apark's visitors, the plurality of communication devices including atleast one communication device in wireless transmission range of anothercommunication device, the at least one communication device comprising:

[0053] a receiver for receiving a signal having protocol data attachedtherein, the signal received from a communication device in wirelesstransmission range;

[0054] a protocol processor for identifying the attached protocol dataand for in accordance with an ad-hoc protocol performing one ofre-transmitting the received signals received from a communicationdevice in wireless transmission range to another communication device inwireless transmission range and other than re-transmitting the receivedsignal; and,

[0055] a transmitter for transmitting the signal to anothercommunication device in wireless transmission range;

[0056] wherein the ad-hoc network protocol is in accordance with a useof a wireless ad-hoc parknet.

[0057] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a cruisenet comprising:

[0058] a plurality of communication devices for being carried by usersdisembarking from a cruise ship, the plurality of communication devicesincluding at least one communication device in wireless transmissionrange of another communication device, the at least one communicationdevice comprising:

[0059] a receiver for receiving a signal having protocol data attachedtherein, the signal received from a communication node in wirelesstransmission range;

[0060] a protocol processor for identifying the attached protocol dataand for in accordance with an ad-hoc protocol performing one ofre-transmitting the received signals received from a communicationdevice in wireless transmission range to another communication device inwireless transmission range and other than re-transmitting the receivedsignal; and,

[0061] a transmitter for transmitting the signal to anothercommunication device in wireless transmission range;

[0062] wherein the ad-hoc network protocol is in accordance with a useof a wireless ad-hoc cruisenet.

[0063] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a boatnet comprising:

[0064] a plurality of communication devices including at least onecommunication device in wireless transmission range of anothercommunication device, the at least one communication device comprising:

[0065] a receiver for receiving a signal having protocol data attachedtherein, the signal received from a communication node in wirelesstransmission range;

[0066] a protocol processor for identifying the attached protocol dataand for in accordance with an ad-hoc protocol performing one ofre-transmitting the received signals received from a communicationdevice in wireless transmission range to another communication device inwireless transmission range and other than re-transmitting the receivedsignal; and,

[0067] a transmitter for transmitting the signal to anothercommunication device in wireless transmission range;

[0068] wherein the ad-hoc network protocol is in accordance with a useof a wireless ad-hoc boatnet.

[0069] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a skinet comprising:

[0070] a plurality of communication devices for being carried by usersin ski resorts, the plurality of communication devices including atleast one communication device in wireless transmission range of anothercommunication device, the at least one communication device comprising:

[0071] a receiver for receiving a signal having protocol data attachedtherein, the signal received from a communication device in wirelesstransmission range;

[0072] a protocol processor for identifying the attached protocol dataand for in accordance with an ad-hoc protocol performing one ofre-transmitting the received signals received from a communicationdevice in wireless transmission range to another communication device inwireless transmission range and other than re-transmitting the receivedsignal; and,

[0073] a transmitter for transmitting the signal to anothercommunication device in wireless transmission range;

[0074] wherein the ad-hoc network protocol is in accordance with a useof a wireless ad-hoc skinet.

[0075] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided an ad-hoc network comprising:

[0076] a first plurality of transceivers and a second plurality oftransceivers, each transceiver from the first plurality of transceiversand from the second plurality of transceivers comprising:

[0077] a receiver for receiving a signal having protocol data attachedtherein the signal received from a transceiver in wireless transmissionrange,

[0078] a protocol processor for identifying the attached protocol dataand for in accordance with an ad-hoc protocol performing one ofre-transmitting the received signals and other than re-transmitting thereceived signal; and, a transmitter for transmitting the signal;

[0079] wherein the transmission range of each transceiver from the firstplurality of transceivers is shorter than the transmission range of eachtransceiver from the second plurality of transceivers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described inconjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0081]FIG. 1a is a bloc diagram of a house equipped with a wirelesshousehold consumption meter having a communication system integratedtherein for use in an ad-hoc network;

[0082]FIG. 1b is a simplified bloc diagram of a household consumptionad-hoc network comprising a plurality of houses in a neighborhoodequipped with the wireless household consumption meter of FIG. 1a;

[0083]FIG. 2a is a simplified bloc diagram of a household consumptionad-hoc network when a node disappears from the network of FIG. 1b;

[0084]FIG. 2b is a simplified bloc diagram of a household consumptionad-hoc network when a node is added to the network of FIG. 1b; and,

[0085]FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagram of a method of routing signals atthe household consumption node;

[0086]FIG. 4 is a simplified bloc diagram of a prior art householdsecurity system related to a central security company;

[0087]FIG. 5a is a simplified diagram of a household security system;

[0088]FIG. 5b is a simplified bloc diagram of a security item from thesecurity system for use with an ad-hoc wireless communication network;

[0089]FIG. 5c is a simplified bloc diagram of an alternative embodimentof a security item from the security system for use with an ad-hocwireless communication network;

[0090]FIG. 6 is a simplified bloc diagram of a security control panelfor use with the wireless security as-hoc network according to anembodiment of the present invention;

[0091]FIG. 7 is a simplified bloc diagram of a portable securitycommunication device for use with the wireless security as-hoc networkaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0092]FIG. 8 is another form of data being transmitted usingtransceivers within the network according to another embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0093]FIG. 9 is a flow chart diagram of a method of propagating securitydata through an ad-hoc network according to an embodiment of the presentinvention; and,

[0094]FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram of a method of propagatingsecurity data through an ad-hoc network according to another embodimentof the present invention;

[0095]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a prior art communication systemused with cars;

[0096]FIG. 12 is a simplified diagram of vehicle communication devicefor use with an ad-hoc wireless communication network according to anembodiment of the invention;

[0097]FIGS. 13a, 13 b and 13 c, are simplified diagrams of mobile ad-hocwireless communication network for use with a plurality of mobilecommunication nodes; and,

[0098]FIG. 14 is a simplified mobile ad-hoc network according to anotherembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0099] An ad-hoc network is a dynamic collection of possibly mobilehosts capable of communicating reliably without the aid of anypre-established infrastructure. The network topology varies ascommunication nodes are added, moved and removed from the network.Ad-hoc networks differ from traditional networks in that the topology ofinterconnections between nodes is inherently dynamic and generallyunpredictable. Consequently, ad-hoc networks do not rely on acentralized authority to coordinate routing of messages therein.

[0100] The dynamic aspect of an ad-hoc network renders the configurationof the network flexible because sometimes nodes appear and are added tothe network or nodes disappear and are removed from the network.Advantageously, transmitters and receivers used within a wirelesscommunication ad-hoc network of the invention are relativelyinexpensive, because of their short range as well as limited bandwidth.Advantageously, this allows for a plurality of data type to betransmitted within this type of network.

[0101] Unfortunately, even ad-hoc networks have certain minimumrequirements. Clearly to communicate between two nodes of an ad-hocnetwork, a network must be formable therebetween—typically in an ad-hocfashion—at the time of the communication. According to embodiments setout below, the communication node for use with the ad-hoc networkcomprises a transducer, which generates a signal in response to anexternal signal. This is described using two exemplary embodiments ofsuch ad-hoc networks where the transducer corresponds to a householdconsumption meter and to a household security monitoring system. Both ofthese embodiments allow for wide area support for an ad-hoc network byproviding many closely spaced nodes.

[0102] Typically, houses are equipped with water meters to meter waterconsumption for the house. Initially the reading of water meters wasaccomplished by having a water company representative enter the houseand then record numbers indicative of water consumption for the house.Unfortunately, this method is quite obtrusive and requires a member ofthe house to be home in order to allow access to the water companyrepresentative. In order to minimize this obtrusiveness, water companieshave installed a circuit within the water meter and coupled to thiscircuit an external monitor panel, where the external monitor panel wasplaced outside of the house. Having the monitor panel outside of thehouse allows for the water company representative to couple a monitoringapparatus to the external monitoring panel in order to retrieve from thecircuit water consumption for the house. Although the obtrusiveness hasbeen removed through this method, it still involves the costly operationof having the water company representative go to each house in order toobtain water consumption readings.

[0103] In order for the water company to minimize the amount of timespent taking meter readings wireless transmitters (Tx) have beeninstalled within water meter circuits for use in monitoring thereof. Awater consumption receiver receives the transmitted water meter readingtransmitted at a carrier frequency and including a water consumptionvalue. Having this type of wireless communication provides for a numberof advantages for the water company. Firstly water readings can be takenfrom a vehicle located a distance from the house; this saves time sincethe water company representative does not need to leave the vehicle inorder to take a reading. Secondly, more houses can be monitored in at agiven time since (a) the representative does not need to leave thevehicle and (b) signals on different carrier frequencies are usable fordifferent homes.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 1a, a wireless household consumption meterhaving an ad-hoc wireless communication system for use with an ad-hocnetwork according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.The wireless household consumption meter (HCM) 32 includes a transmitter32 a and a receiver 32 b for transceiving wireless signals. The HCM alsoincludes a processor 32 c in communication with the transmitter 32 a andthe receiver 32 b, the processor for identifying the wireless signals.Typically, such a HCM 32 is located outside a house 30.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 1b, a simplified block diagram of a householdconsumption ad-hoc network (HCMN) for a plurality of houses in aneighbourhood is shown. Each of the houses 30 in the ad-hoc network isequipped with the HCM 32, as shown in FIG. 1a. Within a typicalneighbourhood utilizing HCM there will be a plurality of houses 33-40within close proximity of each other, where each of these houses has aHCM 32 installed for measuring household consumption thereof. Upon beinginstalled, a HCM periodically transmits a contact signal to thesurrounding HCMs, installed in the neighborhood within the transmissionrange of the HCM, indicating its presence. Every node in thetransmission vicinity of a new node processes the contact signal suchthat when a signal is transmitted from a node to another node, the newnode is part of the relaying path.

[0106] According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown inFIG. 1b, each of the communication devices periodically transmits acontact signal. Thus, a HCM at house 38, for example, is aware that theHCMs at houses 39, 36 and 34 are in its transmission/reception range. Ofcourse, the contact signal of houses 36 and 39 is different from thecontact signal of house 34, which corresponds to the central stationcollecting the household consumption information from the nodesbelonging to the ad-hoc network. Advantageously, with such anapplication, each node does not need to transmit a contact signal veryoften. Further advantageously, the central station also transmitscontact signals to ensure the functionality of the HCM and eventuallythe amount of water, gas or electricity for example consumption metersexpected to return water, gas or electricity consumption value upon arequest.

[0107] Optionally, the central station 34 is vehicle-based belonging toa utility company. A driver of the vehicle drives from neighborhood toneighborhood and read the household meters via the ad-hoc network.

[0108] Within a community using the HCM network (HCMN), distancesbetween Tx/Rxs (transmitters and corresponding receivers) are quitesmall, typically in the order of a few tens of meters. This allows forsetting up of the HCMN. A HCM communication device is used in order totransmit and receive messages to other HCM communication devices withinthe HCMN.

[0109] Each HCM communication devices within the HCMN is set to readwater, gas or electricity consumption and to provide a consumption value(HCV) indicative of the household water, gas or electricity consumptionto the HCMN. The HCM transmits along the predetermined frequency usingthe predetermined protocol, providing its consumption value to other HCMcommunication devices within the HCMN. The HCV from each meterpropagates through the wireless HCMN from meter to meter until itreaches a central station 34. At the central station the value obtainedfrom the first meter is noted.

[0110] Each meter within the HCMN is either set by the central stationor set to provide a reading after an elapsed amount of time. Since thevalue reading from each HCM propagated through the HCMN to the centralstation, the central station also communicates with each HCM through aplurality of HCMs within the HCMN. The predetermined protocol determineswhich HCM are read from and which are used to relay information.

[0111] In another embodiment, the central station 34 is not proximatethe HCM. Therefore in order to obtain a consumption value from the HCM,the central station uses the predetermined protocol and communicateswith any meter within the HCMN to obtain the consumption value from eachHCM.

[0112] Having this type of HCMN provides a number of advantages for thecompanies. First, it reduces the need for having to drive around streetscontained within at least a portion of the HCMN in order to obtainconsumption values for the plurality of houses within the at least aportion of the HCMN, providing a significant cost savings for thecompanies. Second, it also allows the companies to take meter readingsmore often; the readings performed automatically through the ad-hocnetwork. Third, the HCMV is obtainable as often as desired at little orno additional cost, which represents an asset if for example a leak ofwater or gas is suspected in an area or if a HCMV obtained is way out ofa normal consumption value, and so forth.

[0113] For example, FIGS. 2a and 2 b show such evolution of a HCMN whena node disappears as in FIG. 2a or is added as in FIG. 2b. Thesimplified HCMN shown in FIG. 2a is similar to the HCMN as in FIG. 1bwith the exception that the house 49 is no longer part of the network;the HCM attached to house 49 has stopped transmitting a contact signal.The fact that house 49 has disappeared from the ad-hoc network does notaffect the transmission and reception of data of the other communicationnodes of the network. Having such ad-hoc network relationship offersalternate paths for the signals to propagate from a source house to aremote destination.

[0114] In the present example, when the HCM of node 48 transmits asignal indicative of the water consumption in response to a requestreceived from the central station, the direct path, from node 48 to node49 to node 47 and then to the central station 34, for propagating suchsignal is not available because node 49 is no longer a functional nodeof the ad-hoc network. Therefore, the signal is propagated throughanother path, represented here by nodes 33, 44, 45, 46 and/or 47 beforereaching the central station 34, or through any of a plurality of otherpaths.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 2b, house 50 has recently been built in theneighborhood and is equipped with a HCM that is intransmission/reception range of the HCM of house 48. Therefore, withoutinstalling any costly equipment for connecting house 50 to a householdconsumption network, the HCM attached to house 50 transmits HCMV to thecentral station 34 and receives requests from the central stationthrough the wireless ad-hoc network.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart diagram of a method of routingsignals at the HCM is shown. Every signal received by the receiverincluded in the HCM includes a protocol, which permits routing thesignal in accordance with the predetermined protocol. Therefore, uponthe reception of a signal, the protocol is identified usingidentification steps. Upon the indication extracted from the protocol,the signal is routed to the meter when the identified protocol indicatesthat the signal is a request to read a household consumption to whichthe HCM is attached. When the protocol indicates that the signal is tobe relayed, the signal is routed to the transmitter, which transmits thesignal allowing the signal to propagate from one node to another node ofthe ad-hoc network.

[0117] Of course, the signals received from the central station are notlimited to requests to read the meter; the central station periodicallytransmits signals having a protocol indicative of a contact signal.Interestingly, such contact signal provides information on thefunctionality of the HCM of the network when each HCM generates amessage identifying itself to be propagated back to the station inresponse to the contact signal. Furthermore, a response is indicative ofthe number of consumption meters expected to return consumption valuesupon request. The central station reacts accordingly by scheduling thetransmission of the request signals for each house.

[0118] Optionally, the signal generated in response to a contact signalidentifying the source of the response includes data indicating whetherthe HCM is in need of maintenance.

[0119] Of course, standards could be imposed within the HCMN in order tofacilitate communicating with other HCMNs.

[0120] Typically water meter readings, for example, are performed everyfew months and therefore the HCMN will have times when it is not beingused, or when traffic within the HCMN is at a minimum. Conversely, aplurality of countries has deregulated the electricity distribution, andthe users are charged on the current demand and specific hours basis.The peak consumption period when the demand for current and the price ofelectricity are higher is comprised between 7 am and 9 pm. Typically, autility company is using an average price to charge the customers andthe HCM are monitored such that each costumer is charged in dependenceupon their own averaged consumption.

[0121] According to another embodiment, the communication nodes areequipped with transducer for generating security signals in response tohousehold security monitoring and the data transmitted through thenetwork correspond to household security monitoring data.

[0122] In order to protect their home and family, people often keepguard dogs. Others use sophisticated security systems. Some securitysystems merely make a loud noise to deter intruders while others place atelephone call to a remote location. Presently, houses are typicallyequipped with security systems to monitor household security. In orderfor the security company to minimize the amount of time spent takingsecurity readings they are connected via the phone lines to eachmonitored home. Such a system is costly to monitor and often far morecomplex than a residential home security would warrant.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 4, a simplified bloc diagram of a prior arthousehold security system related to a central security company isshown. In order to monitor a house 10, the house is equipped withvarious household security devices as for example main and back doorsand bay-window contact devices, motion detector devices, smokedetectors, a siren. Each of the household security devices is related toa control panel generally located close to the main house door tofacilitate activation and deactivation of the security system whenleaving or entering the house. Of course, when installed, the smokedetector should only be deactivated under special circumstances such asmaintenance. The house 10 is related to a security company 12 throughtelephone communication lines; the security company constantly monitorsthe house. When the security system of the house is activated and anintruder gains access inside the house, the alarm goes off, which alertsthe security company. The security company tries to communicate by phonewith the owner of the house in order to ensure that this is not a falsealarm. Moreover, the company also tries to contact at least two otherpersons 13 named as references by the owner of the house. When itbecomes evident that the alarm has not falsely initiated or that thecontacts are not reachable, the police station 14 or the fire departmentis alerted, and a patrol car 16 is sent to the house for furtherenquiry. Of course, depending on the distance the patrol car 16 has totravel, the time to reach the house varies, which may increase damagecaused by the intruders or by the situation.

[0124] Even though this is not an ideal situation, it is nonetheless anexcellent protection system for countless houses and businesses.However, it is also an expensive system and has a monthly chargerelating to monitoring thereof. As is apparent to a person with skill inthe art, typical security systems present lots of drawbacks as forexample the time response before an intervention, the costs associatedwith the whole installation and the constant monitoring and so forth.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 5a, a simplified diagram of a householdsecurity system for use with an ad-hoc wireless communication networkaccording to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thehousehold security system of the house 20 includes a plurality ofwindows 21, a front door 22, a backdoor 23, a garage 24 having a largeretractable door 25 and a door 29 allowing an indoor path between thehouse 20 and the garage 24. The plurality of openings, i.e. windows 21and doors 22, 23, 25 and 29 are each equipped with a contact detector 21a, 22 a, 23 a, 25 a and 29 a, respectively. The interior of the house isequipped with a smoke detector 27 and a motion detector 28, preferablycompatible with having a pet moving inside the house without setting analarm off. A bell 26 is preferably installed proximate the main door 22.Each item of the security system is equipped with a transmitter (Tx) anda receiver (Rx) for transmitting and receiving wireless signals toanother household security device of the like. Typically, such atransceiver is part of the security items of the houses of aneighborhood. Having an individual house is not a requirement forinstalling such security items; they are installable in the apartmentsof an apartment building, automobiles, bicycles, etc.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 5b, a simplified bloc diagram of a securityitem from the security system for use with an ad-hoc wirelesscommunication network according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. A security item 200 comprises a transducer 202 forexample a contact detector, smoke detector, motion detector or the like.The transducer 202 generates a signal in response to an external signal.The transducer is in communication with a receiver 206 which receivedsuch signal. The receiver 206 also receives wireless signals from otherdevices as for example a portable security communication device shown inFIG. 7. Protocol data is attached to each signal, the protocol data forexample allows for identifying the location and type of the securityitem. The receiver 206 is in communication with a processor 204, whichidentifies the wireless signals in accordance with the protocol used inconnection with the wireless ad-hoc security network. For example,different sensors produce signals with different data allowing fordistinction between fire alarm data, flood data, and security perimeterbreach data. The security item also comprises a transmitter 208 incommunication with the processor 204 for transmitting wireless signalsfor being relayed by other transceivers until the transmitted wirelesssignals reach a remote destination determined in accordance with theprotocol.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 5c, a simplified bloc diagram of an alternativeembodiment of a security item from the security system for use with anad-hoc wireless communication network is shown. A security item 210comprises a transducer 212 for example a contact detector, smokedetector, motion detector or the like. The transducer 212 generates asignal in response to an external signal. The transducer is incommunication with a processor 214 that attaches protocol data to thesignal generated by the transducer, the attached protocol data being inaccordance with the protocol of the wireless ad-hoc security network.The security item also comprises a transmitter 218 in communication withthe processor 214 for wirelessly transmitting signals to a smart box220. The smart box comprises a transceiver 222, which is incommunication with a processor 224. The transceiver 222 includes areceiver and a transmitter, the receiver is for receiving a signal fromthe security items 210; the signal is communicated to the processor 214that completes the identification of the signal by inserting protocoldata in reference to a propagation of a signal through the ad-hocnetwork. Then, the signal having protocol data embedded therein isprovided to the transmitter for a propagation of the signal through thenetwork.

[0128] Optionally, the network is a self-configuring network. Changes innetwork topology are accounted for by sending an initialisation signalthrough the network, which incorporates the changes and reconfiguresaccordingly.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 6, a simplified bloc diagram of an embodimentof a security control panel for use with the wireless security ad-hocnetwork according to another embodiment of the present invention isshown. The security control panel 300 is in communication with theplurality of security devices inside the house and the control panelcomprises a display screen 320 for displaying which of the securityitem(s) is transmitting a signal, which is activated, or which aredeactivated. The security control panel also includes a transceiver 360for receiving and transmitting signals according to their attachedprotocol data through the wireless security ad-hoc network and aprocessor 340 in communication with the display and the transceiver, theprocessor is for identifying the protocol data attached to a receivedsignal and for generating signals to be transmitted in accordance withthe security ad-hoc network protocol.

[0130] The control panel also includes a switch 380 for selectingbetween security options. Depending on the position of the switch, thehousehold security system is programmed such that a signal is wirelesslytransmitted from communication nodes to other communication nodes inaccordance with a security ad-hoc network protocol, destined for apredetermined device.

[0131] Optionally, the control panel is in communication with the smartbox, which receives the signals from the security items, and the controlpanel is used to propagate security signals through the ad-hoc network.Alternatively, the smart box and the control panel are set to regularlycommunicate with each other by emitting a wireless signal in the form,for example, of an acknowledgement signal sent by the smart box to thecontrol panel such that the receiving party generates an automaticresponse to the message. Therefore, in case of malfunction of thecontrol panel, the control panel does not generate an automatic reply tothe acknowledgement signal; this automatically results in the smart boxassuming a primary position.

[0132] A convenient location of the control panel is close to the maindoor; it is easy from there to turn the switch in the appropriateposition just before leaving the house. However, it is also one of thefirst triggers of intruders who try to disconnect the alarm or evendestroy the panel. Such destruction is often a fast process.Advantageously, the smart box is locatable anywhere in the house, and incase of destruction of the panel, the smart box takes over and becomesthe source of propagated signals. Of course, the smart box is not anecessity and the control panel is optionally put in a location forpreventing inadvertent damage or deliberate damage caused by anintruder.

[0133] A security item within a household, which belongs to the ad-hocsecurity network, is set to monitor security and to transmit a signalindicative of a security breach via the ad-hoc security network. Thesecurity device transmits a signal at a predetermined frequency using apredetermined protocol, providing its data to other nodes within thead-hoc security network that are within a known range of the securitydevice. The security monitoring data from the security monitorpropagates through the wireless network from node to node until itreaches a destination node—typically an on-duty neighbour or a trustedneighbour. At the destination node, the control panel indicates whichsecurity item has transmitted the signal. For example, the security itemis identified by address, floor, and sensor type. At the destinationnode the value obtained from the network is noted and is preferablyacted upon.

[0134] A first option is for example labelled “out” which is a positionof the switch selected when the user leaves the house for a remotelocation. In this state, the preprogrammed frequency of the householdsecurity device is set such that in case of break-in, a signal having apre-determined protocol is generated and transmitted from the securityitems throughout the ad-hoc network and the signal propagates fromtransceiver to transceiver until it reaches and alerts the on-dutyneighbour or a trusted neighbour.

[0135] A second option of the switch is labelled for example “Home-out”which indicates that the owner is home but is in the garden, in thebackyard or in the garage. In this state, the pre-programmed frequencyof the household security device is set such that the user is alerted.Therefore, when the user is outside gardening for example and the bellrings, the user is notified by receiving a signal on a communicationsecurity device in the form for example of a vibration or an audiosignal. Similarly, if the smoke detector detects smoke, the controlpanel notifies the user by transmitting a message indicative of such.Optionally, the closest fire department is also notified through thead-hoc wireless communication system transmitting a signal having aspecific frequency destined to the fire department. Of course, thoughthe selection of frequency is disclosed above, it is a straightforwardmatter to implement the distinction using different protocol data withina same ad-hoc network.

[0136] A third position of the switch is labelled for example “Home-in”which indicates that the owner is home and inside the house. In thisstate, the control panel is set such that only the smoke sensor isactivated. Optionally, other security devices other than a motiondetector are also activated. Of course, in this case, if the user opensa door equipped with a contact device in communication with thehousehold security system through the control panel, an alarm goes offin response to the door opening.

[0137] Preferably, the control panel is configurable such that securitydevices are activated or deactivated upon a choice of the user.

[0138] Preferably, when a user is home, a further option is todeactivate the transmission of any signal via the security ad-hocnetwork outside the home and more specifically to the on-duty neighbouror trusted neighbour. However, this is not a requirement and someonemight feel safer to know that if something happens, a signal istransmitted through the security ad-hoc network to this trustedneighbour and an appropriate action would be initiated.

[0139] Another position of the switch corresponds to the “on-duty”position where the control panel is set to receive signals from anyhousehold security device from the neighborhood through the wirelesssecurity ad-hoc network.

[0140] Alternatively, to limit the amount of signals transmitted when abreak-in occurs in a house, all the security features are set tocommunicate and send security signals to the control panel. Only thecontrol panel transmits a signal using the wireless security ad-hocnetwork. For example, if someone breaks a door to enter into a house,the contact detector attached to the door emits a signal indicative of arupture of contact; the individual entering activates the motiondetector, which also emits a signal indicative of a detected movement.Both detectors transmit their signal to the transceiver of the controlpanel such that the processor therein generates a unique messageincluding data indicative of the two detector signals such that only onemessage propagates through the ad-hoc network. Of course, it is astraightforward matter to have the ad-hoc network protocol support thistwo stage data transmission methodology. For example, data is encodedwithin the sensor message indicating that the destination node is knownto be within transmission range and, as such, no relaying of thatmessage is required. Of course, it is a straightforward matter to buildsensors supporting both local and non-local transmission of signals and,thereby increase flexibility and reduce bandwidth bottlenecks within thesecurity ad-hoc network.

[0141] Preferably, the control panel is equipped with an alarm generatorin the form for example of a speaker for emitting an audio alarm whenthe control panel receives a signal indicative of a security breachwithin the house and/or within the neighborhood.

[0142] Having a security system for use with a wireless communicationsystem through an ad-hoc network provides tremendous flexibility.Therefore, security items are removable, movable and/or insertableaccording to the choice of the user and for a nominal cost. Indeed, whena user decides for example to add a garden house for storing tools, theentrances to the garden house are optionally equipped with similarsecurity items in wireless communication with the ad-hoc securitynetwork. Further, it is possible to equip vehicles with similarhousehold security devices to, for example, measure wheel motion. Assuch, bicycles, cars, go-carts, wheelbarrows, etc. are secured and theirmovement results in an alarm. This is highly advantageous for manyindividuals who store valuable items such as these in their gardenhouse.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 7, a simplified bloc diagram of a portablesecurity communication device for use with the wireless security ad-hocnetwork according to another embodiment of the present invention isshown. The security communication device in the form for example of apocket sized device 400, is in wireless communication through the ad-hocsecurity network with each security item installed in the house of theuser carrying the communication device. The security communicationdevice comprises a display screen 420 for displaying any of the securityitems transmitting a signal or which is activated or which isdeactivated. The security communication device also includes atransceiver 460 for receiving and transmitting signals according to apredetermined protocol through the wireless security ad-hoc network anda processor 440 in communication with the display and the transceiver,the processor for identifying the protocol data attached to a receivedsignal and for generating signals to be transmitted in accordance withthe security ad-hoc network protocol.

[0144] Optionally, the communication device comprises a switch 480 forselecting between options as for example an option labelled “home-out”where the communication device is in communication with the controlpanel, which is also set in a similar position. Therefore, if anindividual is ringing the outside bell and the owner has set the insidepanel to indicate that he is out but in the vicinity as for example inhis backyard, a signal indicative of the bell ringing is communicated tothe wireless security device which identifies the protocol andpropagates the signal to a communication device that the owner carrieswith himself. The individual in his backyard is thus notified thatsomeone is visiting him and is waiting at the main door.

[0145] Optionally, the owner has established a two-way wirelesscommunication link with the person who rang the bell.

[0146] Another option permits communicating with a plurality ofhousehold devices in a range as for example, furnace and lights. Thethermostat is programmable and the temperature can be set using thecommunication device communicating through the wireless ad-hoc networkwith the thermostat. This is advantageous when a user is leaving hishouse for a few days and when on his way to the airport he suddenlyremembers that the thermostat is set to maintained a temperaturecomfortable when he is in the house but too high when the house is notoccupied. Similarly, the light switches are programmable such thatcertain lights are turned on or off depending on the time of the day tomimic a presence inside the house.

[0147] Nowadays, a large proportion of the population has a pet at homeand motion detectors that are pet sensitive such that a dog walking inthe house does not trigger the motion detector are available forconventional alarm systems. Therefore, when the user leaves the housefor a few days with the pet, it is advantageous to be able to deactivatethe “pet sensitive” option of the motion detector to prevent an eventualuse of trained animal to break in.

[0148] In another embodiment of the present invention, a transmitter anda receiver are disposed within each security device within each home.Typically within a neighborhood there are a plurality of houses withinclose proximity of each other, where each of these houses has a securitysystem installed therein for monitoring of the house. The securitysystems communicate on a predetermined frequency using a predeterminedprotocol.

[0149] Of course, the transmission or reception of a security signalthrough the ad-hoc wireless communication system is not supported byexisting telephone lines, which are often a first target for robbers whogenerally try to cut off all wired communication media. For example, ifsomeone breaks into a house, security data are transmitted through thead-hoc network according to a predetermined protocol corresponding tothe transmission of such data toward a specific destination; here theon-duty or trusted neighbour. The transceivers located in the neighbourhouses relay the security data signal until reaching the on-dutyneighbour.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 8, another form of data transmission usingtransmitters and receivers within the network according to anotherembodiment of the present invention is shown. Typically, children livingwithin the ad-hoc network have an image and text display communicationdevice 540, in the form of a watch worn on a wrist. Parent P has theircommunication device 520, parent P of the children C sends message totheir children using their communication device 52 as part of thenetwork. The message propagates from a first node 500 to a further node510 and to another node 530, and so on, until it reaches thecommunication device of child C. Of course the frequency channels usedfor communication between communication devices, or communicationdevices and nodes within the network is determined in accordance withthe predetermined protocol. This protocol allows for selecting a singlerecipient to communicate with within the network, as well as offeringbroadcast capabilities, where information is broadcastable to a numberof communication devices within the network. Advantageously, the parentP is able to locate a child without sending a written message. When asignal from the communication device of the parent P has reached itsdestination, i.e. when the protocol attached to the transmitted messagematches the identity of the communication device of the child C; thecommunication device of the child automatically sends a return messagehaving protocol data therein identifying the parent communicationdevice. By appending data to the message at each relay point,localization of the child is possible. As such, upon the reply messagereaching the parent communication device, the parent locates the childin the neighborhood.

[0151] To reach the communication device 540 of the child, the signalhas propagated from node 500, to node 510 and then to node 530. Thereturn message from the child communication device 540 to the parentcommunication device 520 is shown to propagate using the same nodes in areverse path. However, in a neighborhood, the nodes are in closeproximity to each other, which provides for alternate paths forpropagating the wireless signals. Advantageously, as long as the childis within the propagation range of the wireless ad-hoc network, thechild is locatable by their parent. Further advantageously, thecommunication device is programmable such that it periodically transmitsa signal to the parent communication device for the parent to alwaysknow where the child is located anytime.

[0152] Alternatively, the child device includes a location detectortherein and the reply message includes the detected location. Forexample, a GPS system is incorporated within the child device toidentify the child's exact location. When the parent device includesappropriate mapping software, the parent is informed of the child'slocation in easily comprehensible terms.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 9, a flow chart diagram of a method ofpropagating security data through an ad-hoc network according to anembodiment of the present invention is shown. A house is monitored usingtypical security features in communication with the wireless securityad-hoc network. Upon sensing an intrusion inside the house, the securityfeatures generate a security data signal according to predeterminedprotocol associated with a specific destination. The predeterminedprotocol identifies the source of the signal and the destination of thesignal.

[0154] Of course, a security data signal may originate from any house.Therefore, each security items is a potential source of security datasignal as well as a relay in the propagation of a security data signaloriginated from another security item. As such, each node is also areceiver for receiving such signal and a transmitter for broadcastingthe signal.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 10, a flow chart diagram of a method ofpropagating security data through an ad-hoc network according to anembodiment of the present invention is shown. A house is monitored usingtypical security features in communication with the wireless securityad-hoc network. Upon sensing an intrusion inside the house, thehousehold security device generates a security data signal according topredetermined protocol associated with a specific destination. Thepredetermined protocol identifies the source of the signal and thedestination of the signal.

[0156] Once generated, the security data signal propagates from one nodeto another node. The dynamic aspect of an ad-hoc network renders theconfiguration of the network flexible because sometimes nodes appear andare added to the network or nodes disappear and are removed from thenetwork. Therefore, when a security signal is generated at one node, thesignal propagates through at least one path towards the remotedestination. However, some nodes are in the transmission range of aplurality of security features and eventually receive a signaloriginating from the same source many times, the signal beingtransmitted through different paths. Therefore, the security devicesverify whether a security data signal having a predetermined protocoldestined to a specific location and originating from a specific locationhas already been relayed within the last predetermined period of time.When it is determined that the signal was transmitted within the lastpredetermined period of time, the latest received signal is stopped.When it is determined that the signal was not previously transmitted, itpropagates within the transmission range of the node and is eventuallyreceived by another node, which performs similar verifications. Themessage propagates through the network and is received at the remotedestination.

[0157] Advantageously, performing such verification at each node limitsthe number of security data signal received at the destination node. Ofcourse, when the security device equipping the on-duty or trustedneighbour receives a security data signal, an appropriate action istaken by telephoning to the police station or ambulance or firedepartment in dependence upon the type of security signal received.

[0158] Though the above ad-hoc network is described with a semi-fixedtopology, this need not be the case for the protocol used and is merelyexemplary of an ad-hoc protocol for dynamic network configuration,reconfiguration, and mapping. It is possible to implement the inventivenetwork without initial transmissions to allow network re-configurationby using an un-configured form of ad-hoc network whose protocol assumesother than static situations at each node.

[0159] In the previous embodiments, the ad-hoc network communication wassupported in part by static communication nodes, which defined anorganized infrastructure network in order to achieve the variousfunctions of the transducers, i.e. security monitoring or meter readingsfunctions. Of course, there is no limitation as of the use of staticcommunication nodes when the communication nodes are equipped withtransducer; it is however a preferred option.

[0160] In another embodiment, the communication node for use with awireless ad-hoc network does not include a transducer. Suchcommunication nodes are preferred for use with a less structured networkwith virtually no infrastructure and allow for being used with expandingand contracting networks. In this aspect, mobile communication nodesmostly support the propagation of signals. However, pseudo-static orstatic communication nodes are also used in wireless communicationad-hoc networks. Of course, communication nodes equipped with atransducer and communication nodes not equipped with transducer are notexclusive to each other within a network.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 11, a schematic diagram of a prior artcommunication system used with cars is shown. Cars 1, 2 and 6 areheading in the same direction on road 3, the three cars travel together.For explanatory purpose, it is assumed that at least one individualwithin each car has a cellular phone. A tower 4 has been installed;therefore, the individuals in the cars are in communication one with theothers by using the tower to allow the connection between them. Whenpeople are traveling together in separate cars, it is very convenient tobe able to communicate especially when a problem is encountered by onethe cars, or simply to communicate information as for example the menuin a specific restaurant or the location of police patrols on highways.Of course, if the car 6 has a flat, the driver stops the car to changethe tire, the following cars will be aware of the incident by passingthe car 6 shortly after the incident occurrence. However, if such anunforeseen incident happens with a last car 1 of a group, the front carswill not be aware of the situation unless someone in car 1 is able tocommunicate with the other cars.

[0162] The road 3 traverses a mountain region; the mountain 5 blocks thetransmission of signals either telephone or CB signals. Car 6 is in adead zone and is no longer contactable and car 2 is about to beun-reachable too. Of course, being in a dead zone implies that, forexample, car 6 is not able to contact a tower in order to contact car 1or car 2. Therefore, as long as the cars cross this mountain area and aslong as an area on the other side of the mountain area is notappropriately towered, the cars remain out of contacting possibilities.Of course, the leading car can stop and wait for the other. However, notknowing how far behind the other cars are, often renders driversimpatient, and sometimes angry or worried. Clearly, if a car has amechanical breakdown while in a dead zone, it will be unable to send amessage using a conventional wireless communication system.

[0163] It is apparent to a person with skill in the art that similarlimitations are encountered when another communication system is usedsuch as for example CB radio. The geography identically blocks the radiotransmission. An advantage perhaps exists on the other side of themountain area because with such a system there is no need forinfrastructure such as a tower. However, all the cars have to be out ofthe mountain's influence to be able to regain point to pointcommunication.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 12, a simplified diagram of a mobilecommunication device for use with an ad-hoc wireless communicationnetwork according to an embodiment is shown. The communication device 60comprises a transmitter 61 and a receiver 62 for transceiving wirelesssignals. The communication device also includes a processor 63 incommunication with the transmitter 61 and the receiver 62, the processorfor identifying the wireless signals. Typically, such a communicationdevice is located inside a vehicle. The communication device allows forshort distance, low bandwidth Tx and Rx. In this manner information isexchangeable between vehicles allowing for network connectivity from onevehicle to another. In this case bandwidth is realized by the systemwhen there are a large number of vehicles congregated in one area. Forinstance a wireless ad-hoc automobile network as such would be useablein rural areas where there are no cellular towers. Allowing for alimited form of communication between users without requiring theinstallation of expensive cellular towers and other associated wirelessequipment.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 13a, 13 b and 13 c, simplified diagrams ofmobile ad-hoc wireless communication networks for use with a pluralityof mobile communication nodes are shown. The plurality of mobilecommunication nodes is in the form of cars for explanatory purpose,however, as is apparent to someone of skill in the art, vehicles are notthe only mobile communication nodes for use with the ad-hoc network.Other mobile communication nodes as for example skiers or hikers areconsidered as mobile communication nodes as long as they are equippedwith communication devices for use with such an ad-hoc network. Acommunication device of the type described in FIG. 12 is disposed withineach of a plurality of mobile devices in the form of cars. Typically onthe roads, there is a plurality of cars 71, 72 and 73 within closeproximity of each other, where each of these cars has a transmitter andreceiver installed within for supporting an ad-hoc network and itsarchitecture. The transmitters and receivers communicate on apredetermined frequency using a predetermined ad-hoc networkingprotocol. Car 70 transmits data that wirelessly propagate and reach car71 in the propagation range of car 71. The two cars exchange informationdirectly as long as they are in their respective transmission range asshown in FIG. 13a. For example, vehicles could exchange music data,weather data, map data and so forth as they pass each other according toa predetermined protocol for use with an ad-hoc network. Alternatively,privacy is supported—a node optionally prevents data transmission. Theprotocol is varied depending on the vehicle status—started, idle,parked, in traffic, on highway, etc.

[0166] In FIG. 13b, car 71 is heading on the same road as car 70 inanother direction. As they are moving apart, cars 70 and 71 are nolonger in transmission range and the communication between the two carsis now supported by car 72, which is within the transmission range ofthe two cars and therefore relays communications.

[0167] In FIG. 13c, the distance between the vehicles has increased andthe communication is performed using other nodes as for example car 73that happens to be in transmission range of car 70 and car 72, which isstill in communication range of car 71.

[0168] Typically the destination node is not within wireless proximityof the transmitting node. Therefore in order to obtain data from thetransmitting node, the destination node uses the predetermined protocolto obtain the data when transmitted. Through the predetermined protocolthe destination node communicates with any node within the network,using other nodes within the network to relay information in order toobtain data from any other vehicle so equipped.

[0169] Preferably, static or semi-static communication devices for usewith wireless ad-hoc network also communicate with mobile communicationdevices. For example, in FIGS. 13a, b and c, the house 75, which is astatic communication node, is equipped with a communication device inthe form, for example of the communication device described in FIG. 1 orin FIG. 5. House 75 communicates data to the cars passing withintransmission range. Interestingly, when house 75 is a store, the databroadcasted correspond to advertisements. Advantageously, theadvertisement reach people in the close proximity of the store, whichare the more likely to be interested and inclined to stop. A restaurant,for example, transmits data indicative of the menu, the prices, and thenumber of seats available, and so forth to the cars passing by.Preferably, these messages are not retransmitted beyond a predetermineddistance or, alternatively, more than a predetermined number of hops.

[0170] Optionally, communication devices for use with a wireless ad-hoccommunication network are strategically attached to signal panels orcurve security rails for example. Therefore, these communication devicesare useable as relays for propagating communication data. Thecommunication device of the like previously described comprises atransmitter, a receiver and a processor. It is of particular interest ifan accident occurs. An emergency signal can be propagated from thecommunication device equipping a vehicle, to a plurality ofcommunication nodes until it reaches its destination. Of course, havinga GPS inserted within the communication device facilitates the locationand the rescue of the people having sent the emergency signal.

[0171] Similarly, a ski lift provides information regarding the trafficat the ski lift and an estimated time to wait before going up themountain to the skiers having a communication device for use with anad-hoc network. The information being propagated from one communicationdevice to another communication device in the transmission range, theinformation “propagates” to remote location. Getting such information,i.e. advertisement or traffic data, facilitates the management of thetime for example. When the ski lift informs the skiers that there is atleast one waiting hour before being lifted, a skier may choose to go tothe restaurant at the top of the mountain, which has just broadcastedthat many seats are available on the terrace. Therefore, the skier willnot experience frustration expecting a lift and waiting while hungry.

[0172] For example, informative data are transmittable to individualswhile they are visiting National Parks. At their entrance in the Parks,visitors are given a communication device for receiving informationalong their visit as they go through the Park and eventually bringing totheir attention a subject matter of interest, for example a rarespecimen being observable in a specific area. Of course, the system isinteractive and visitors communicate with the Park staff if necessaryand with other people. Optionally, the communication device is equippedwith a Global Positioning System (GPS), which allows for identifying alocation of a visitor.

[0173] Advantageously, the communication devices are carried in ad outby individuals resulting in little or no disruption to the parks naturalbeauty. Further, in common locations where tourists—the less expert atorienteering—are located, there is likely to be a larger density ofpeople so as to facilitate ad-hoc network formation and use.

[0174] Optionally, considering the large surface and the relief of theparks, communication devices for use with a wireless ad-hoccommunication network are attached to trees in a manner that is notharmful to the tree. Though this is not a preferred option consideringthe large amount of communication devices that are necessary to providebroad coverage, and the maintenance of such devices, they are useable asrelays for propagating communication data to and from very specificlocations within the park. The communication device comprises atransmitter, a receiver and a protocol processor. It is of particularinterest if an accident occurs. An emergency signal is then propagatedfrom the communication device provided to the visitor, to a plurality ofrelay devices until it reaches its destination. Of course, having a GPSinserted within the communication device facilitates the location andthe rescue of the people having sent the emergency signal.

[0175] Optionally, communication devices are given to park rangers andthe transmission range of the devices is set to cover a largerproportion of the park than those given to tourists. This facilitatesthe rangers are patrolling the park. Because the rangers are spread allover the park, the communication devices relay data to and from moreremote locations to less remote locations according to the ad-hocprotocol.

[0176] Advantageously, this provides for a communication network with nofixed network topology, thereby allowing for lower network set up costsand dynamic network scalability, while allowing for any node tocommunicate with any other node within the network. The infrastructureof the network varies as the number of communication nodes varies withinthe ad-hoc network. Also, since the network is low bandwidth and has lowTx/Rx range, receiver and transmitter costs are minimal. Furthermore,such ad-hoc network does not require infrastructure like a communicationtower to be installed in a park. Therefore, a natural environment is notdisturbed and not disfigured by such installation.

[0177] Of course, it is highly advantageous to structure the ad-hocnetwork protocol to support transceivers of different communicationrange in order to allow for park staff to form the majority of thead-hoc “infrastructure.”

[0178] Further advantageously, an absence of superstructure for having afunctional communication system provides with another alternativewherein an entire ad-hoc network is also mobile. Referring to FIG. 14, asimplified mobile ad-hoc network according to another embodiment isshown. A cruise ship 140 is docked at the quay; the crewmembers and thetourists 142 are given a communication device while debarking. Most ofthe time, people follow established tourist paths to visit the localareas of interest. For example, some people are interested in shoppingin town 143, others are on their way to visit the historic church 144,whereas some are more interested in spending time on the fabulous beach145 on the other side of the island. Statistically, it is most likelythat a larger number of people found in the town 143 will want tocommunicate with the ship than those on the beach 145. Therefore, it isnot significant that people on the beach are too far from other touristsor crewmembers for example for being reached through the ad-hoc network.However, the chances are high that people visiting the church 144 arereachable via transceivers carried by people along the way ascommunication nodes.

[0179] Advantageously, people 142 in communication range of othercommunication nodes easily communicate with the ship for example,allowing them to get information. When the ship is leaving the island,the ad-hoc network travels with the ship. On a next docking anddisembarkation, another ad-hoc network is created. A purpose of suchad-hoc networks is to allow a large proportion of a constrainedpopulation to communicate one with the other, without relying on anyinfrastructure communication equipment.

[0180] Of course, when the communication nodes generate a signal,protocol data is within the signal such that upon transmission of thegenerated signal, another node receiving the generated signal is capableof identifying the protocol for properly routing the signal according tothe protocol.

[0181] For example, each transmission includes a transmission identifierhaving an originating node identifier, a destination node identifier, aprotocol identifier and the transmission content. When a node receives atransmission, it compares the transmission identifier to determine if ithas previously received the transmission. If it has previously receivedthe transmission, then the transmission is ignored. If it has notpreviously received the transmission, the transmission identifier isanalysed to see if the destination node is the current node. If it hasnot previously received the transmission and the transmission is notdestined for the current node then the transmission is retransmitted viathe transmitter at that node. As such, every node analyses eachtransmission only once and retransmits each transmission only once. Thatsaid, each node may receive each transmission a plurality of times.

[0182] Advantageously, having such a multi-directional relationshipnetwork offers alternate paths for the signal to propagate from a sourceto a remote destination.

[0183] Numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A monitoring node comprising: a transceiver forreceiving signals and for transmitting signals, the signals transmittedand received via a wireless communication medium; a transducer incommunication with the transceiver for sensing data and for providing asignal including data relating to the sensed data; and, a processor foridentifying the received signal as one of destined for the monitoringnode and other than destined for the monitoring node and for, when theidentification is indicative of the message being destined for otherthan the monitoring node, relaying the received signal via thetransceiver and, when the identification is indicative of the messagebeing destined for the monitoring node, providing an indication to areceiving party of the received signal, wherein the monitoring nodecommunicates with at least another monitoring node for forming an ad-hocnetwork.
 2. A monitoring node according to claim 1, wherein thetransducer is a security sensor for sensing security data and forproviding a signal including data relating to the sensed security data.3. A monitoring node according to claim 2, including a protocolprocessor for inserting within the security data data indicative of thesecurity monitoring node.
 4. A monitoring node according to claim 3,comprising a display for use in locating a transducer having generated asignal including data relating to sensed security data.
 5. A monitoringnode according to claim 4, comprising a switch for selecting adestination security-monitoring node from a plurality of destinationnodes.
 6. A monitoring node according to claim 2, including a protocolprocessor for inserting within the security data data indicative of asource of the security data and data indicative of a destination for thesecurity data.
 7. A monitoring node according to claim 2, wherein thesecurity monitoring node includes a protocol processor for identifyingthe data indicative of the destination for the security data and forrelaying the security data when the identified data indicate that thenode is other than a destination for the security data.
 8. A monitoringnode according to claim 2, wherein the transducer is a household-typesecurity detector.
 9. A monitoring node according to claim 2, comprisinga memory for storing an indication of a transmitted signal and uponreceiving a another signal, performing one of transmitting the othersignal when the stored indication indicates that the other signal wasother than transmitted from the security monitoring node and other thantransmitting the signal when the stored indication indicates that theother signal was transmitted from the security monitoring node.
 10. Amonitoring node according to claim 9, comprising a clock wherein thetime a message is first relayed is stored.
 11. A monitoring nodeaccording to claim 9, comprising a clock wherein the time a message isfirst relayed is stored and after a predetermined period of time, thetime is cleared form the memory.
 12. A monitoring node according toclaim 2, including a memory having stored therein data, the data forexecution by the protocol processor for implementing a predeterminedprotocol for identifying a received signal as relating to previouslyreceived data or other than previously received data.
 13. A monitoringnode according to claim 1, wherein the transducer comprises aconsumption metering circuit for providing a meter signal indicative ofdata relating to a metering performed by the consumption meteringcircuit.
 14. A monitoring node according to claim 13, wherein theprotocol processor includes instruction data stored in associationtherewith for, when executed, transmitting the received data only whenit is both other than previously received and other than destined forthe consumption meter.
 15. A monitoring node according to claim 13,wherein the protocol processor includes a port for receiving datadestined for the transceiver.
 16. A monitoring node according to claim13, wherein the protocol processor comprises circuitry for implementinga predetermined protocol for identifying a consumption meter used as asource of data indicative of consumption metering performed by aconsumption metering circuit.
 17. A monitoring node according to claim13, including a memory having stored therein data, the data forexecution by the protocol processor for implementing a predeterminedprotocol for identifying a consumption meter used as a source of dataindicative of consumption metering performed by a consumption meteringcircuit.
 18. A monitoring node according to claim 13, wherein theprotocol processor comprises circuitry for implementing a predeterminedprotocol for identifying a received signal as relating to previouslyreceived data or other than previously received data.
 19. A monitoringnode according to claim 13, including a memory having stored thereindata, the data for execution by the protocol processor for implementinga predetermined protocol for identifying a received signal as relatingto previously received data or other than previously received data. 20.A monitoring node according to claim 13, wherein the consumption meteris consumption meter relating to household consumption.
 21. A monitoringnode according to claim 20, wherein the consumption meter is a waterconsumption meter.
 22. A monitoring node according to claim 20, whereinthe consumption meter is a gas consumption meter.
 23. A monitoring nodeaccording to claim 20, wherein the consumption meter is an electricityconsumption meter.
 24. A network comprising: a plurality ofcommunication nodes including at least one communication node inwireless transmission range of another communication node, the at leastone communication node comprising: a transducer for sensing a physicalparameter and for providing a sensor signal in dependence thereon; areceiver receiving a signal from a communication node in wirelesstransmission range; and, a transmitter for transmitting a first signalin dependence upon the sensor signal to another communication node inwireless transmission range and for re-transmitting some receivedsignals received from a communication node in wireless transmissionrange to another communication node in wireless transmission range. 25.A network according to claim 24, wherein the transducer is a consumptionmeter and wherein the first signal is indicative of data relating to ametering performed by the transducer.
 26. A network according to claim25, wherein the transducer is consumption meter relating to householdconsumption.
 27. A network according to claim 26, wherein the transduceris a water consumption meter.
 28. A network according to claim 26,wherein the transducer is a gas consumption meter.
 29. A networkaccording to claim 26, wherein the transducer is an electricityconsumption meter.
 30. A network according to claim 24, wherein, in use,the network is an ad-hoc network.
 31. A network according to claim 25,comprising a processor for processing data content of the first signalin accordance with an ad-hoc network protocol.
 32. A network accordingto claim 25, wherein the at least a communication node includes aprocessor; and a memory having stored therein data for, when executed,causing the received data to be transmitted only when it is both otherthan previously received and other than destined for the at least acommunication node.
 33. A network according to claim 25, wherein the atleast a communication node includes a processor; and a memory havingstored therein data, the data for execution by the processor forinserting within the first signal an indication that the at least acommunication node is a source generating the first signal.
 34. Anetwork according to claim 25, wherein the at least a communication nodeincludes a processor; and a memory having stored therein data, the datafor execution by the processor for identifying a received signal asrelating to previously received data or relating to other thanpreviously received data.
 35. A network according to claim 24, whereinthe transducer comprises a security sensor for sensing a householdsecurity parameter and for providing a sensor signal in dependencethereon.
 36. A method of automating meter readings comprising the stepsof: receiving a meter reading value at a first node; processing themeter reading value at the first node to append thereto ad-hoc networkprotocol data; transmitting a meter signal from the first nodecomprising the meter reading value with the appended data; receiving themeter signal at a second node; processing the received meter signal inaccordance with the ad-hoc network protocol to determine whether thesame meter signal was received prior at the second node; and, independence upon a result of the determination, performing one oftransmitting the received signal and other than transmitting the signal.37. A method of monitoring a household comprising the steps of: sensingsecurity data within a household; generating a signal including datarelating to the sensed security data; transmitting the signal via a selfconfiguring dynamic network; receiving the signal including datarelating to the sensed security data; attaching protocol data to thereceived signal, the protocol for at least identifying a source and adestination of the signal in accordance with a use of a wireless ad-hocnetwork; and, wirelessly transmitting the signal such that the signalpropagates from a communication node to another communication node. 38.A method of monitoring a household comprising the steps of: sensingsecurity data within a household; generating a signal including datarelating to the sensed security data; transmitting the signal via anad-hoc network; receiving the signal including data relating to thesensed security data; attaching protocol data to the received signal,the protocol for at least identifying a source and a destination of thesignal in accordance with a use of a wireless ad-hoc network; and,wirelessly transmitting the signal such that the signal propagates froma communication node to another communication node.
 39. The methodaccording to claim 38, wherein the ad-hoc network comprises a pluralityof nodes wherein at least a node is in a wireless transmission range ofanother node, such that the at least a node is capable of propagatingdata from the at least a node to another node.
 40. The method accordingto claim 39, wherein each node from the plurality of nodes comprises atransmitter and a receiver.
 41. The method according to claim 38,comprising the step of providing a display monitor for displaying alocation of a destination node.
 42. A method of monitoring a householdcomprising the steps of: sensing security data within a household;generating a signal including data relating to the sensed security data;attaching protocol data to the generated signal, the protocol data forat least identifying a source and a destination of the signal inaccordance with a use of a wireless ad-hoc network; and, wirelesslytransmitting the signal such that the signal propagates from acommunication node to another communication node.
 43. A method ofmonitoring a household comprising the steps of: receiving a signal via awireless communication medium, the signal including security data havingprotocol data attached thereto; identifying the protocol data attachedto the received signal; and, generating signals to be transmitted inaccordance with a security ad-hoc network protocol.
 44. A method ofmonitoring a household according to claim 43, wherein the protocol datais in accordance with a use of a wireless ad-hoc network.
 45. A vehiclenetwork comprising: a plurality of communication nodes including atleast one communication node installed in a vehicle in wirelesstransmission range of another communication node, the at least onecommunication node comprising: a receiver for receiving a signal havingprotocol data attached therein, the signal received from a communicationnode in wireless transmission range; a protocol processor foridentifying the attached protocol data and for in accordance with anad-hoc network protocol performing one of re-transmitting the receivedsignals received from a communication node in wireless transmissionrange to another communication node in wireless transmission range andother than re-transmitting the received signal; and, a transmitter fortransmitting the signal to another communication node in wirelesstransmission range; wherein the ad-hoc network protocol is in accordancewith a use of a wireless vehicle ad-hoc network.
 46. A vehicle networkaccording to claim 45, wherein a communication node from the pluralityof communication nodes comprises a processor for generatingadvertisement signals and wherein the protocol processor determines anumber of communication nodes the advertisement signal is propagating.47. A parknet comprising: a plurality of communication devices for beingcarried by a park's visitors, the plurality of communication devicesincluding at least one communication device in wireless transmissionrange of another communication device, the at least one communicationdevice comprising: a receiver for receiving a signal having protocoldata attached therein, the signal received from a communication devicein wireless transmission range; a protocol processor for identifying theattached protocol data and for in accordance with an ad-hoc protocolperforming one of re-transmitting the received signals received from acommunication device in wireless transmission range to anothercommunication device in wireless transmission range and other thanre-transmitting the received signal; and, a transmitter for transmittingthe signal to another communication device in wireless transmissionrange; wherein the ad-hoc network protocol is in accordance with a useof a wireless ad-hoc parknet.
 48. A parknet according to claim 47,comprising: a second plurality of communication devices, eachcommunication device from the second plurality of communication devicescomprising: a receiver for receiving a signal having protocol dataattached therein, the signal received from a communication device inwireless transmission range; a protocol processor for identifying theattached protocol data and for in accordance with a parknet ad-hocprotocol performing one of re-transmitting the received signals receivedfrom a communication device in wireless transmission range to anothercommunication device in wireless transmission range and other thanre-transmitting the received signal; and, a transmitter for transmittingthe signal to another communication device in wireless transmissionrange; wherein the transmission range of each communication device fromthe first plurality of communication devices is shorter than thetransmission range of each communication device from the secondplurality of communication devices.
 49. A cruisenet comprising: aplurality of communication devices for being carried by usersdisembarking from a cruise ship, the plurality of communication devicesincluding at least one communication device in wireless transmissionrange of another communication device, the at least one communicationdevice comprising: a receiver for receiving a signal having protocoldata attached therein, the signal received from a communication node inwireless transmission range; a protocol processor for identifying theattached protocol data and for in accordance with an ad-hoc protocolperforming one of re-transmitting the received signals received from acommunication device in wireless transmission range to anothercommunication device in wireless transmission range and other thanre-transmitting the received signal; and, a transmitter for transmittingthe signal to another communication device in wireless transmissionrange; wherein the ad-hoc network protocol is in accordance with a useof a wireless ad-hoc cruisenet.
 50. A cruisenet according to claim 49,wherein a communication device from the plurality of communicationdevices comprises a processor for generating advertisement signals andwherein the protocol processor determines a number of communicationdevices the advertisement signal is propagating.
 51. A boatnetcomprising: a plurality of communication devices including at least onecommunication device in wireless transmission range of anothercommunication device, the at least one communication device comprising:a receiver for receiving a signal having protocol data attached therein,the signal received from a communication node in wireless transmissionrange; a protocol processor for identifying the attached protocol dataand for in accordance with an ad-hoc protocol performing one ofre-transmitting the received signals received from a communicationdevice in wireless transmission range to another communication device inwireless transmission range and other than re-transmitting the receivedsignal; and, a transmitter for transmitting the signal to anothercommunication device in wireless transmission range; wherein the ad-hocnetwork protocol is in accordance with a use of a wireless ad-hocboatnet.
 52. A boatnet according to claim 51, wherein a communicationdevice from the plurality of communication devices comprises a processorfor generating announcement signals and wherein the protocol processordetermines a number of communication devices the advertisement signal ispropagating.
 53. A skinet comprising: a plurality of communicationdevices for being carried by users in ski resorts, the plurality ofcommunication devices including at least one communication device inwireless transmission range of another communication device, the atleast one communication device comprising: a receiver for receiving asignal having protocol data attached therein, the signal received from acommunication device in wireless transmission range; a protocolprocessor for identifying the attached protocol data and for inaccordance with an ad-hoc protocol performing one of re-transmitting thereceived signals received from a communication device in wirelesstransmission range to another communication device in wirelesstransmission range and other than re-transmitting the received signal;and, a transmitter for transmitting the signal to another communicationdevice in wireless transmission range; wherein the ad-hoc networkprotocol is in accordance with a use of a wireless ad-hoc skinet.
 54. Askinet according to claim 53, wherein a communication device from theplurality of communication devices comprises a processor for generatingadvertisement signals and wherein the protocol processor determines anumber of communication devices the advertisement signal is propagating.55 An ad-hoc network comprising: a first plurality of transceivers and asecond plurality of transceivers, each transceiver from the firstplurality of transceivers and from the second plurality of transceiverscomprising: a receiver for receiving a signal having protocol dataattached therein the signal received from a transceiver in wirelesstransmission range, a protocol processor for identifying the attachedprotocol data and for in accordance with an ad-hoc protocol performingone of re-transmitting the received signals and other thanre-transmitting the received signal; and, a transmitter for transmittingthe signal; wherein the transmission range of each transceiver from thefirst plurality of transceivers is shorter than the transmission rangeof each transceiver from the second plurality of transceivers.